1999 Mitsubishi SUW Advance

三菱 SUW アドバンス

Mitsubishi Motors looks to the future with the SUW Advance concept car with GDI-HEV power train

Mitsubishi's car making philosophy for the future centres on developing cars, which are friendly to people and the environment. The Mitsubishi SUW (smart utility wagon) Advance is one embodiment of that philosophy. It has been developed to be an ultra-economical car with worldwide appeal and features what Mitsubishi Motors calls "smart design" and incorporates "ecology conscious" technologies.

GDI-HEV power train contributes to an exceptional fuel economy of just 3.6 litres per 100 km

The GDI-HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) power train, which drives the SUW Advance, is one of the GDI-Sigma technologies that Mitsubishi Motors has developed to maximise the inherent advantages of the GDI engine (see full story in GDI-Sigma Press Release). The GDI-HEV can deliver greater efficiency, performance and compactness than an HEV powered by a conventional engine at an accessible price due to the GDI's precise combustion control and response.

The heart of the system is a naturally aspirated, 1.5-litre GDI engine that delivers 105 PS and 14.3 kgom of torque. Unlike a conventional petrol engine, in the GDI, petrol is directly injected into the cylinder. Other system components include a simple CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), an integrated motor-generator, and small lithium-ion batteries.

Precise control of the engine and transmission makes possible a multi-mode HEV system that allows drivers to choose between normal mode and power mode. In normal mode, the SUW Advance demonstrates outstanding fuel economy. Power mode delivers satisfying acceleration comparable to that of much larger power plants

The GDI-HEV also uses the GDI's precise torque control abilities to minimise the abrupt jerking, which can occur when the engine cuts in and out, giving a noticeably smoother driving experience than previous hybrid systems.

To reduce energy consumption further, the GDI-HEV has a brake energy regeneration system to convert the SUW Advance's kinetic energy into electricity, which is stored by the batteries until needed. In situations where the lack of deceleration means that there is little brake energy regeneration, the GDI runs in Ultra-Lean Combustion Mode.

Perhaps most importantly, the cost of this extremely economical and practical HEV is not prohibitive. The GDI engine is a proven, mass-production technology (over 600,000 in use worldwide up to August 1999). Harnessing the GDI's inherent advantages reduces the size and power requirements (as well as the price) of the motor and batteries.

Ecologically conscious design from start to finish

Designing an ecologically sound vehicle means considering many different factors such as aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance, and recyclability. The SUW Advance takes all of these to new levels of sophistication.

Its sleek body promotes smooth airflow because it has minimal body protrusions, tapered roof and sides, and optimised curves and angles. There is a flat undertray and rear suspension design to keep airflow smooth below the body. The rear underside's two-stage diffuser reduces lift and drag. The front grille only opens fully when the water temperature rises. At higher speeds, it opens just wide enough to ensure adequate cooling, thereby minimising drag. Otherwise, it remains closed as an HEV system characteristically requires little cooling.

The SUW Advance weighs just 980 kg, without compromising collision safety. Aluminium was used for the bonnet, doors and suspension components. The bumper, wings and other exterior body panels were made from durable lightweight resin. The result is a lightweight body that maintains structural integrity.

The SUW Advance's specially designed tyres reduce rolling resistance, yet maintain excellent grip, even on wet surfaces. The tyres resist wear and last longer, thereby further reducing environmental impact. Their "run flat" construction allows a larger cabin by eliminating the need for a spare tyre.

Mitsubishi Motors has designed the SUW Advance to encourage recycling. The SUW Advance is made of modular units for easy disassembly. Many components share the same material or compounds, and all the resin parts are labelled for easy sorting. As a result, more than 90% of the SUW Advance can be recycled.

An eco-driving advice system monitors the driver's actions and provides advice such as when to brake and accelerate, further encouraging economical driving. The driver can use the system to communicate with other users via the Internet to exchange views about environmental preservation, or to contact Mitsubishi about the car itself.

Intelligent active safety features help the driver avoid accidents

Other technologies ensure that the SUW Advance contributes to both economy and safety. These include ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), which promote safer, more efficient and stress-free highway travel. These systems will integrate the latest external traffic control information with the vehicle's on-board navigation systems to guide drivers to their destinations using the most efficient and least congested routes. ITS will also eliminate the need for drivers to stop at tollbooths on motorways, as it will simply scan and record fees automatically. The millimeter wave radar sensor instructs the car's main computer to maintain a safe and efficient distance from the vehicle in front.

Good visibility is critical to accident prevention. The forward-facing camera alerts the driver that he or she is inadvertently wandering within the lane or has drifted out of the lane. A lane tracking system first warns the driver with an aural alarm and then by vibrating the steering wheel. If necessary, it will correct the steering and slow the vehicle. The rear-facing camera in the tailgate shows its view on the large central monitor, allowing safer lane changes by eliminating rear blind spots.

Smart design makes SUW Advance friendly to people of all ages

The exterior was designed to be "a compact car with worldwide appeal that is comfortable for both children and adults." The pronounced curves of the rounded silhouette and the smooth-flowing lines of the aero-roof and aero-cabin reflect the owner's sophisticated tastes. The rectilinear lower body looks reassuringly stable, while hinting at the comfortable ride and expansive interior space.

But smart design does not stop at the exterior: It goes far deeper than that. The SUW Advance is packed with features that make driving and using the vehicle an interesting, exciting and rewarding experience. When driving, the easy-access door handles are recessed into the body to improve aerodynamics. Touching the pivot causes the handle to pop out.

The unique double doors make it easy for people of all ages to enter or leave the SUW Advance. The doors open fore and aft, with no central pillar blocking access for people or goods. Built-in overlapping pillars, frame and sturdy latches at the top and bottom of the doors provide excellent protection in a side collision.

The low and flat floor makes the interior incredibly spacious and versatile. With a wide variety of seating arrangements, and a two-way tailgate, the SUW Advance has a comfortable interior that is ideal for people and all the things they like to take with them.

The cabin has a host of high technology features. There is an IC card, which memorises personal driving information, such as seating and steering column positions, and ensures that each driver is in the perfect position. A convenient multi-joystick groups many controls together, allowing the driver to concentrate on driving.

With the SUW Advance, Mitsubishi Motors has a very clear vision of how the future will look, feel and drive.

SOURCE: Mitsubishi

Dimensions:

Length: 3880 mm

Width: 1695 mm

Height: 1505 mm

Wheelbase: 2575 mm